Localization of monoamine oxidase A and B in human pancreas, thyroid, and adrenal glands

J Histochem Cytochem. 2000 Jan;48(1):147-51. doi: 10.1177/002215540004800115.

Abstract

We studied monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B localization in human pancreas, thyroid gland, and adrenal gland by immunohistochemistry. The primary antibodies used were mouse monoclonal anti-human MAO-A (6G11/E1) and anti-human MAO-B (3F12/G10/2E3). Samples were obtained from six routine autopsy cases and fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde. Exocrine pancreas showed a widespread distribution of MAO-A, whereas MAO-B was present only in centroacinar cells and epithelial cells of pancreatic ducts. In endocrine pancreas, MAO-A was observed in around 50% of islet cells, whereas MAO-B was less abundant and was restricted to the periphery of islets. Thyroid gland showed strong MAO-A immunoreactivity in all cell types and was MAO-B-negative. In adrenal gland, the capsule displayed MAO-A but not MAO-B immunoreactivity, whereas the cortex showed widespread MAO-A staining but was MAO-B-negative in interstitial cells. Finally, in the medulla only a few scattered cells showed either MAO-A or MAO-B immunoreactivity. To our knowledge, these data represent the first study of the cellular distribution of MAO-A and MAO-B in the three human tissues included.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Glands / enzymology*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Islets of Langerhans / enzymology
  • Isoenzymes / immunology
  • Isoenzymes / isolation & purification
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monoamine Oxidase / immunology
  • Monoamine Oxidase / isolation & purification*
  • Pancreas / enzymology*
  • Thyroid Gland / enzymology*

Substances

  • Isoenzymes
  • Monoamine Oxidase